Aside from the damage it does to your laundry tray or sink, a leaking faucet faucet wastes a surprisingly large quantity of water. Leaks can waste up to tens of thousands of gallons a year in some families. This waste is not necessary, because repairing a normal two-handled faucet is not a complex endeavor. The problem is probably a worn stem washer on one of the handles, but if the faucet is old, you might also have to make alterations to the valve stem or valve seat.
Turn off the water to the faucet. Whether there are shut-off valves beneath the tray, then screw them counterclockwise as far as they will go. If there aren’t any valves, shut off the main water heater to your house. Open the faucet to relieve the water pressure.
Assess the valve stem beneath each handle by unscrewing the handle with a Phillips screwdriver along with the packing nut that holds the valve with adjustable pliers. If either is hard to turn, spray it with lubricant and then allow the lubricant penetrate for five minutes before trying again.
Pull the valve stem from this chamber by gripping the end with the pliers and pulling it right out. Turn it over and then unscrew the screw holding the washer on the end.
Inspect the rim of this metal retainer that holds the washer. If it’s corroded or contains mineral deposits, clean it with a file. Take the stem to the hardware store to discover a replacement for the washer, because the washer might be too worn to deliver a fantastic reference. Expand the brand new washer to the base of the stem with a new screw — the old one might be too corroded to use.
Poke your finger to the valve chamber before you replace the stem and feel the valve seat. If it feels rough, it’s probably filled with mineral deposits. It is possible to most effectively clean them by taking away the seat having a seat wrench.
Wedge the chair wrench to the valve seat and then turn the handle counterclockwise to unscrew the chair. Expand the seat at a cup filled with white vinegar and then leave it overnight to remove the deposits. If the alloy is pitted or cracked, you may be able to possess the seat re-ground at a machine shop. Otherwise, take the chair to your hardware store and purchase an specific replacement.
Expand the seat back into the faucet with the seat wrench. Insert the valve stem back into the valve chamber, screw to the packing nut and then tighten it with the pliers. Replace the handle and turn the water back on. Run the faucet for about a minute to clean out the lines.
